The sports bras our runners actually wear (plus Emilea's story)

blog post

The sports bras our runners swear by

I’ll be upfront: I’m not the right person to tell you which sports bra to buy. But a lot of you are, and this is one of the most common gear questions we get from new runners.

So we asked the None to Run community. Last month, runners told us which high-impact sports bra they wear and why. Hayley pulled it all together into one list, counted down from #6 to the one mentioned most.

No brand paid to be on our list. It's just what real beginner runners wear and recommend.

A few things that came up over and over:

Adjustable straps and band (so it keeps fitting as your body changes)
A closure you can actually get off after a sweaty run (front zip or hook-and-eye)
Support without feeling bound down. You should still be able to take a full breath.

SEE THE FULL LIST

If your favourite isn't on there, reply to this email and tell us. We'll keep the list updated.

success story

Emilea from Tulsa, OK

I want to share something Emilea wrote to us, because I think a lot of you will see yourself in it.

In October 2023, she quit a toxic job that left her in a very dark place. She'd been going to a local gym, and one random Tuesday the thought struck her: "I can run a mile." (Her words: spoiler alert, she could not.)

She found None to Run and started a journey that took her from depressed and miserable to joyous and capable.

Fast forward to 2025, she and her sister ran 12 races in 12 months, finishing with a half marathon. Then she was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and benched from running for half of 2026.

So, in defiance, she signed up for a marathon.

Here's what she said when we asked about the moment she's proudest of:

"The moment I'm proudest of is my first run back after psoriatic arthritis benched me. Every step was a quiet declaration: this disease doesn't get to decide what my body can do."

And on how running changed her:

"Every run is a crisis I choose, and every time I show up anyway, I'm training for the ones I don't. Running gave me grace under pressure and the quiet certainty that I will make it through."

Emilea didn't start as a runner. She just started.

You can follow her on Instagram at @emileabedelia.

NOT A RUNNER YET?

Walk-run intervals, with me (Coach Mark) in your ear, and nothing you can't do.

Emilea started with a Tuesday and a plan that met her where she was. That's all it takes. Progress slower than you think you need to, and let us handle the rest.

START YOUR FREE 7-DAY TRIAL

Have a great week, and please reach out with any questions.

Cheers,

Coach Mark